In which of the following scenarios would the RN anticipate glucocorticoids (steroids) to be prescribed?

A. Take this medication at bedtime because it causes drowsiness.

Oxymetazoline is not known to cause drowsiness. It is a nasal decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to alleviate congestion.

B. This medication should only be used for asthma.

Oxymetazoline is not a medication specifically used for asthma. It is primarily used as a nasal decongestant for relieving nasal congestion associated with conditions such as allergies and the common cold.

C. Limit the use of this medication to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion

Oxymetazoline is a nasal decongestant commonly used to relieve nasal congestion due to conditions like seasonal allergies or the common cold. Prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline can lead to rebound congestion, where the nasal passages become more congested when the medication is stopped. Therefore, it is important to limit the use of oxymetazoline to a short duration (typically 3 days) to avoid this rebound effect.

D. Stop this medication immediately.

Abruptly stopping oxymetazoline is not recommended, as it may lead to rebound congestion. The nurse should advise the client to follow the recommended duration of use and, if needed, consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication.

A. "My provider will prescribe prophylactic antibiotics."

While antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection or exacerbation, they are not typically used prophylactically in all cases of mild emphysema.

B. "My condition is reversible with proper medications."

Emphysema is a chronic and typically irreversible condition. While medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, they do not generally reverse the damage caused by emphysema.

C. "I should use albuterol (Proventil) when my symptoms worsen."

Albuterol (Proventil) is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator, and it is commonly used as a rescue inhaler to provide quick relief of symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with conditions like emphysema. Using albuterol as needed during symptom exacerbations aligns with appropriate management of mild emphysema.

D. "I will need to take oral prednisone on a daily basis."

Daily use of oral prednisone is not a standard treatment for mild emphysema. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may be used in certain situations, such as during exacerbations, but its long-term use carries potential risks and is generally avoided unless necessary.